Ashley Moeke, 20, is likely to be in the starting line-up at Darlington tomorrow in the No10 jersey that fellow Kiwi Sam Rasch wore with such distinction until his departure just before Christmas.

If so, he will join fellow New Zealanders Kerry Wood and Willy Moala in the side, with another, James Cookson, probably on the bench.

Wood is a gutsy livewire flanker with a knack of scoring tries who has been an integral part of the team since making his debut at Cleckheaton in October last year, while fleet and nimble right-winger Moala's 23 league tries since his arrival at the start of the season speaks for itself.

Without this pair, and the sparkling all-round talent of Rasch, it is unlikely that Westoe would now be top of North One, with much-coveted promotion to the ranks of national rugby within their grasp.

Now hopes are high that Aucklander Moeke, a student at the University of Northumbria, will play a significant role as the Shieldsmen – whose below-par performances in the past fortnight have seen them lose at Morley and Middlesbrough – strive to regain their winning ways.

He was recommended to Dunes Adventure Island-sponsored Westoe by their former coach Richard Arnold, who is now head of rugby at the university, and impressed captain Gareth Nesbit and club chairman Duncan Murray, who watched his side beat Newcastle.

Nesbit said: "He looked a quality player who will do a job for us."

An able set-piece kicker, it is hoped he will bring a greater consistency to that vital department, at which Rasch excelled.

There is another new face on the scene. Newcastle University winger John McNaught, also 20, was talent-spotted by Westoe coach Joe Shaw, and has been included in a squad from which the team and replacements will be selected.

The recent setbacks mean that Westoe, who midway through last month appeared to be romping towards the title, now have a fight on their hands with five games still to play.

Hull, just two points behind and with a better scoring record, can expect to be well-tested by visitors Morley, but still must start as firm favourites, while Sheffield Tigers, four points adrift but with a game in hand, will rate their chances at home to West Hartlepool.

And while Darlington are bottom of the table with just a solitary win, and were thrashed 80-0 at Wood Terrace in November, they will certainly not be regarded as a pushover.

Nesbit said: "They will come out of the traps straight at us. Everyone likes to have a go at the top club, and they will be wanting to salvage some self-respect from the season.

"But we will be giving it our all as well. After what has happened in the last two games we have no choice but to get back on a winning track."

* The Seconds confront visitors Berwick in a Northumberland League match at Wood Terrace, while both the Thirds and Fourths are in Durham County Cup semi-final action, away to Winlaton and Barnard Castle respectively.

* Spectators are reminded that, March having arrived, all games now start at the later time of 3pm.